New Zealand Clinical Research (NZCR) has strengthened its position in the global research landscape, announcing the acquisition of two leading Australian clinical research organisations—CMAX Clinical Research and its subsidiary Fusion Clinical Research. The move significantly expands NZCR’s role in delivering international clinical trials across New Zealand and Australia.
With facilities now spanning Auckland, Christchurch, and Adelaide, the expanded NZCR Group offers more than 150 trial beds and access to a combined population of over 30 million people. This scale positions NZCR as Australasia’s largest independent, multi-phase clinical trials group, providing unmatched capability for pharmaceutical and biotech sponsors seeking reliable international clinical trial environments.
Both New Zealand and Australia are recognised globally for having rigorous, ethically robust clinical research frameworks. Their high standards, consistent approvals processes, and established reputation make them go-to destinations for overseas pharmaceutical and biotech companies looking for international clinical trials that require speed, quality, and regulatory credibility.
For overseas sponsors, NZCR’s expanded group provides a strategic advantage: the ability to work with one trusted clinical trials provider across two of the world’s most respected trial regions. This unified operating model streamlines study design, recruitment, and data management, enabling companies to run multi-phase and multi-site international clinical trials efficiently and with greater regulatory alignment.
The acquisition also broadens the participant recruitment pool – particularly important for studies involving rare or complex conditions where larger population bases are critical for meeting trial enrolment targets. With increased capacity across three major research hubs, NZCR can support a wider range of therapeutic areas and specialised trial cohorts.
Tony Moffatt, Group Chief Executive of NZCR, said the acquisition would help accelerate trial timelines and approval pathways for global partners.
“By combining the research capacity of New Zealand and Australia, we’re giving pharmaceutical companies a more reliable, high-quality path to global regulatory approval,” he said.
Moffatt noted that many international sponsors require data from multiple jurisdictions. Having a single provider capable of running harmonised studies across both countries will streamline the journey from early-phase trials through to regulatory submission.
NZCR has a strong history in delivering clinical research, dating back to its 2020 formation through the merger of Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust and Auckland Clinical Studies. Since then, the organisation has completed more than 1,700 clinical trials across all phases, earning a reputation for quality, compliance, and operational excellence.
Despite the acquisition, both CMAX and Fusion will continue to operate under their existing brand names. NZCR confirmed that maintaining continuity and minimising operational disruption remains a key priority as the integration progresses.
Clinical research trials also offer the general public an opportunity to contribute to medical science, as well as receive compensation for their time.